Willie Jones III Quintet | Athenaeum Jazz at [Scripps Research] Athenaeum

Jazz returns to the Athenaeum for our annual series of fall concerts, this time relocated from Scripps Research to our Joan & Irwin Jacobs Music Room at 1008 Wall Street in La Jolla. (Known as Jazz at Scripps Research, due to construction, the concerts will be held at the Athenaeum library until later 2023.) Seating will be limited, so early reservations are advised! Please join us for three special evenings featuring Willie Jones III, The Bad Plus, and Miguel Zenón.

The series opens on Thursday, September 29, with the Willie Jones III Quintet, an all-star ensemble featuring Jones on drums, past Tonight Show Band member Ralph Moore on tenor sax, San Diego’s own Gilbert Castellanos on trumpet, Sam Hirsh on piano, and Luca Alemanno on bass. Jones first appeared at the Athenaeum library with the stellar collective Black Note alongside longtime friend Castellanos.

An L.A. native who studied with West Coast masters Billy Higgins and Tootie Heath, Jones moved to New York City in 1997. His career credits are the definition of an “in-demand” musician, having been chosen by Hank Jones, Milt Jackson, Cedar Walton, and Arturo Sandoval to be a core member of their ensembles, plus stints with Joe Lovano, Horace Silver, Wynton Marsalis, and Sonny Rollins. In addition to his sideman gigs, Jones has recorded eight albums as a leader, including his latest, Fallen Heroes, which celebrates the music and legacy of four jazz greats Jones had the privilege to work with Ndugu Chancler, Roy Hargrove, Larry Willis, and Jimmy Heath.

JazzTimes wrote, “Jones is one of the most animated drummers on the New York scene . . . this band’s essence: they pounce on every idea that the music presents and bring these vibrant pieces to life.”

The concerts will be in person at the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library. There are no physical tickets for these events. Your name will be on an attendee list at the front door. Doors open at 7 p.m. Seating is first-come; first-served. These events will be presented in compliance with State of California and County of San Diego health regulations as applicable at the time of each concert. Masks are optional. Proof of vaccination or negative test within 48 hours of the event is required. Event capacity is limited to 70% for now.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Athenaeum Music & Arts Library, 1008 Wall Street, San Diego, United States